Glen Massan Walk
This walk takes you through the beautiful Glen Massan in the Argyll Forest Park on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute.
The walk starts from the stunning Benmore Botanical Gardens where car parking is available. From here you can pick up footpaths taking you north west through the glen and along the River Massan. On the way you will pass pretty lochs and enjoy some glorious views to the surrounding hills and forestry.
The trails lead you into the adjacent Garrachra Glen where there a views of the Garrachra Burn.
Just east of the glen you can continue your waterside walking along Loch Eck. Just to the south of the Benmore Botanical Gardens there's also the delightful Pucks Glen. Here you'll find a fine trail through a wood gorge with a burn and waterfalls.
Glen Massan Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Glen Massan Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Glen Massan OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Glen Massan Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Benmore Botanic Garden. Benmore Botanic Garden, located near Dunoon on Scotland’s west coast, is a stunning destination for nature enthusiasts, offering visitors over 120 acres of vibrant, diverse plant collections from around the world. The garden, managed by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, is renowned for its impressive landscape, blending mountainous terrain with rare and exotic plant species. One of its highlights is the awe-inspiring avenue of towering giant redwoods, planted in 1863, creating a cathedral-like experience under their vast canopies.
Beyond the redwoods, visitors can explore an extensive collection of rhododendrons, which fill the garden with colour and fragrance, especially in spring and early summer. In autumn, trees like the Japanese Katsura display vibrant hues and release a sweet, candyfloss-like scent. The Benmore Fernery is another unique feature, showcasing ferns in a semi-subterranean Victorian glass structure that attracts both casual visitors and fern enthusiasts. There are also structures such as the Bhutanese and Chilean pavilions, adding a cultural layer to the botanical displays by reflecting the origins of many plants found here.
For those looking for a scenic hike, the ascent through the garden leads to a viewpoint that overlooks Holy Loch, providing spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Wildlife, including red squirrels and, occasionally, golden eagles, add to the charm of this garden, making it a peaceful sanctuary for plant lovers and outdoor adventurers alike
Glen Massan, Loch near Garrachra Farm. The serene valley offers visitors a chance to experience the quiet beauty of the Cowal Peninsula. Set against the dramatic landscape of rolling hills and nestled between lush woodlands, the glen has earned a reputation as a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and those seeking a scenic hike. It’s popular for its gentle, winding rivers, moss-covered rocks, and towering trees that line the valley, making it a tranquil spot for walking and photography.
Road up Glen Massan
Forest track to Garrachra Farm